Flip Video Camera Software Features

May 1st, 2009
Flip video camera is ultra simple to use, the software which comes built into the camera is still very useful indeed and in this article I’d like to take a look at the four current features you will find installed on your new camcorder.

It is important to underline before we start that the software comes preinstalled on the Flip video camera and when you plug your camera into your computer the software should fire up automatically. It includes a version for PCs and a version for Macs so whichever computer you are using you should have no problems with the Flip video software.

Once opened up, you can view the videos that are currently on your camera and play them from inside the software making it easier to work out which videos are worth saving and which ones are suitable for deleting.

Down the left-hand side of the software you will find the simple navigation menu too which contains links to the four main areas of the software.

They are, in turn:

Save Videos - The first option allows you to save videos by moving them from one place to another, for example saving videos from your camera onto your computer, or the reverse. The process is incredibly simple whereby you just select the location of the videos you wan to access, highlight the specific video clips and then choose the save button. The videos will then be moved as per your instructions.

Share Videos - This options allows you to upload videos you have made to any of the various social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. You simply select the specific videos you would like to upload, then select the website for upload. Finally uo enter in a few basic details about your account (username, password etc.) and your videos are then automatically uploaded for others to enjoy.

Make Movie - This is probably the weakest feature of all in my opinion and is as far as video editing currenrly stretches with the Flip video camera. Be aware of course that like with any other video clips you can use third party software applications to edit them (like Windows Movie Maker, for example) but looking purely at the softeare that comes preinstalled on the Flip Video Camera this “editing” element is basic at best.

What it basically allows you to do is to take a number of existing video clips, “stick” them together into one long clip, and then add music in the background if desired or a few nothing-special video effects.

The results are really just for fun - you are unlikely to use this software more than once in my opinion and it is unlikely to give you the sort of result that you might want to show off to family and friends.

For a professional look check out Sony Vegas Movie Studio which is generally accepted to be the best “amateur” video editing software available which most users swear by.

Delete Videos - Not surprisingly this function simply allows you to select which videos you would like to delete.

Flip Video Camera - The Camera That Fits in Your Pocket

April 14th, 2009
In recent times, there has been a big spurt in the digital video camera market. With the Flip video camera series being launched, it has become even more exciting, particularly because of its amazingly low price.

The Flip Video camera from Pure Digital is a compact video recorder that fits into your pocket. The recorded video clips are stored in the camera’s hard drive and these can be either viewed on a computer or on TV screen. It has a convenient USB that flips out from the side via which you can plug it into your PC or Mac. Video clips are saved as .avi files.

In the Flip camcorder range are the Flip Ultra and the Flip Mino HD. The Flip Ultra camera shoots 4:3 video while the Mino shoots 16:9. If you are wondering which Flip digital camera to buy, it makes sense to browse through Flip camera review sites to help you make an informed decision.

One of the reasons that lead to the success of Flip digital cameras is the fact that people use online video services like YouTube a lot. This camera is so easy to use that people don’t really notice any shortcomings. The Flip Mino came after the Ultra and if you do a comparison of the two, the Mino is about 40% smaller and lighter than the Ultra and has a touch sensitive control pad, a rechargeable built-in battery and a codec for Mac users enabling them to use iMovie 08 and edit their videos directly. The Flip Mino is preloaded with the software it needs for video sharing. While the Flip Ultra has the USB connector at the side, the Mino has it on top and you can use it to download your videos as well as to charge the camera.

The Mino also has a faster image processor, an omni-directional mic, pause, review and fast forward button. It is capable of uploading movies to MySpace. 

If we explore the Flip Mino Vs Ultra, according to online reviews the Flip Mino scores over the Ultra in many ways. For example, in terms of design and interface, people prefer the Mino for its smaller size, sleeker look, touch sensitive controls and better playback options. Specifications wise, even though both Flip camcorders are similar, the Mino scores for its superior sound and compression and additional uploading option. But for video quality, it is the Ultra that is ahead for its consistently brighter videos and better exposure especially in low light situations.

To some, the Mino might look better, but if video quality is important, then it is the Ultra that has an edge. Cost wise, the Mino costs more and is better designed with a rechargeable battery while the Ultra works with replaceable AA batteries. However, when it comes to the Flip Ultra vs. Mino, it really is a matter of what you want to do with the camera and the features that matter to you the most. Therefore, it is best to check out as many online reviews as possible since you can read a lot more than just the product specifications. Diverse user experiences described in Flip video camera review can finally be the deciding factor when you buy your own Flip digital camera.

Why the Flip Video Mino Pocket Camcorder is So Much Fun

March 9th, 2009
Pure Digital’s new Flip Mino video camera is an ultraportable mini-camcorder and it is the latest addition to their successful and very popular Flip Video range of miniature pocket camcorders. The Mino camcorder the smallest they have released and it is also more compact and much thinner than the original Flip camcorders including the more recent Ultra range.

The major benefit that allows these new video cameras to be so small comes from their use of flash memory as the built-in storage for the video recordings. Prior to the Flip designs, camcorders had to use tapes or other types of disk to store the video output.

Memory cards are not required by the Mino camcorder as it can easily store up to a whole hour of recorded video on board in the internal memory chips, which have a capacity of 2 GB.

These mini-camcorders have been designed specifically for ease of use and portability. They are in fact totally simple. You do not need any technical knowledge to use them and to start recording video you just press the touch sensitive record button and then just press it again to stop. What could be easier?

And because this diminutive video camera has internal rechargeable batteries, just like an ipod, it is always ready to be picked up and put in your pocket just as you leave home. You can then carry it easily with you all day and shoot some video images whenever you feel the urge.

Many of us today have a digital camera and for anyone that enjoys the experience of seeing their digital images on their computer or television they can now do the same with moving images and video. This is a natural step to take and will increase the enjoyment of recording friends and family both on vacation and at home.

For mums and dads it is a great way to record their kids as they are growing up. The difference is that today you just need to store the digital video files on your computer or memory stick and they can be used any where and at any time in the future.

Any videos you record with the Mino are easily uploaded to popular web sites such as Facebook or MySpace for sharing with your friends. Using simple controls on the Mino and the built-in USB connector you can quickly transfer your videos to your own computer. Then you can also easily upload your recordings to YouTube or other video sites on the web.

This new camcorder boasts a 1.4 inch VGA anti-glare screen which has the ability to record at a resolution of 640×480 pixels and a speed of 30 frames per second. Support for Apple Mac computers is also provided and a special connector means you can play back your videos through your TV.

The best thing about the Flip Video Mino is it’s pure simplicity and amazing portability. It is also very affordable and this means that almost everyone can get one and it really is so much fun! Every time you leave home you can quickly pick it up, put it in your pocket and make videos whenever and wherever you want.

What Software Other Than Windows Movie Maker Can I Use?

March 9th, 2009
I love my Flip video camcorder, and have had it for about a year, I have been trying to upload videos to YouTube affter editing them in Windows movie-maker, but it won’t convert the video file.  Is there any other free software like Windows movie maker that work for the flip video camcorder?